Shloka 61
An Exposition of the Distinctions of Creation, Inert Matter, and the Lord
भागे द्वितीये विज्ञेयस्तद्रजो नात्र संशयः / मूले तमसि यच्चोक्तो रजोभागस्तथैव च
bhāge dvitīye vijñeyastadrajo nātra saṃśayaḥ / mūle tamasi yaccokto rajobhāgastathaiva ca
দ্বিতীয় ভাগে রজসই জ্ঞেয়—এতে কোনো সংশয় নেই। যেমন মূলে তমস বলা হয়েছে, তেমনি সেখানে রজসেরও এক অংশ বর্তমান।
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Guṇas are proportionally distributed; rajas is identified with the ‘second division,’ while tamas is stated as rooted at the base with an admixture of rajas.
Vedantic Theme: Guṇa-vaiṣamya as the basis of manifest differentiation within prakṛti; knowledge through viveka of constituents (tattva-viveka).
Application: Use guṇa-analysis to diagnose one’s mental state (rajas/tamas) and cultivate sattva through disciplined conduct, study, and devotion.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.4.62; Garuda Purana 3.4.63; Garuda Purana 3.4.64; Garuda Purana 3.4.65
FAQs
The verse fixes the “second division” as rājasic, emphasizing that activity, passion, and motion are characteristic of that classification with no ambiguity.
It states that even where Tamas is described as foundational (“at the root”), a share of Rajas is also present—indicating guṇas are interwoven rather than absolutely isolated.
Notice when restlessness (rajas) is fueling dullness or inertia (tamas), and cultivate steadier habits—disciplined action and clarity—to prevent that mixed state from driving harmful karma.